System, apparatus and method for providing a portable customizable maintenance support computer communications system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a user with task-specific information that includes a portable instruction system that may be worn by a user, and includes, a computer sufficiently lightweight and designed to be worn by a user to which a memory has been connected. The system includes a display device that can receive display signals from the computer for visual display to the user and an input device by which the user enters commands to the computer. An instructional program is provided that the computer accesses and stores in memory in response to a user command and displays information concerning a task to be performed by the user on the display device in response to commands from the user.

This application is a conversion of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/126,759, filed Mar. 29, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of real-timeinstruction and maintenance support, and more particularly, to the useof a portable system, apparatus and method for the remote repair ormaintenance of complex mechanical systems that is hands-free and whichis customizable on-site for a particular piece of equipment, process,operation or system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is describedin connection with a portable computer for use during repair, supportand maintenance support operations, as an example.

In order to remain competitive, many industries, such as the aircraftindustry, have increasingly automated their assembly processes throughthe use of computer-controlled equipment. The increase in complexity ofthe mechanical and computer systems in the airline, automobile, andother industries that rely heavily on automation, have led to the needfor an increasingly sophisticated labor force. Unfortunately, the labormarkets are failing to meet the demand for highly competent repair andmaintenance employees at reduced costs. As equipment becomes morecomplex, the diagnosis of faults and maintenance of the equipment have,likewise, become more complex.

During the repair and maintenance process, operators are oftenresponsible for diagnosing and resolving problems. Since the processingthat occurs with a fully functional piece of equipment is stopped duringthe repair and maintenance time, it is important that the operatordiagnose and resolve the fault expeditiously. The problem is furtherenhanced by the need for specialized labor that often must be broughtfrom a remote site or another city to perform the repair procedure.

In the case of preventative maintenance, a similar problem to that ofrepair work is the need to file reports detailing the procedures andrepairs accomplished. Part of the task of reporting repair andmaintenance work is the need to specify the parts replaced, as well as,reordering of new parts to maintain in inventory. Typically,preventative maintenance is scheduled based upon manufacturer estimatesfor the lifetime of various components. In order to accurately andcompletely follow and maintain these schedules, the operator must notonly be well-versed in both equipment part location and maintenanceprocedures, but in correctly filing-out and filing the reports in atimely manner.

Furthermore, the reporting process must allow the user and others toretrieve, view, enhance, and interpret the information. One suchprocedure is to dictate or “annotate” the diagnosis to produce a finalreport that may be accessed by other maintenance personnel. More modernsystems, such as those in medical record keeping, involve the use ofmultiple media data with static graphic drawings on the report. Theseprior art techniques, however, use visual annotations to annotateprocess and procedures along with the annotator's voice, and to playbackthe recorded result. Then, the annotations must be transcribed manuallyin order to produce a complete report.

A system for repair is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,754,451, issued toWilliams entitled, “Preventative Maintenance and Diagnostic System”.Williams discloses a maintenance system for a machine controlled by aprogrammable logic controller having a memory that stores input datareceived from the machine and output data communicated to the machine.The maintenance system includes a computer interfaced to the memory tobe non-intrusive with respect to the programmable logic controller; thecomputer being operative to monitor a state of the machine over aplurality of manufacturing cycles, including input and output data. Thecomputer is able to detect a fault condition for a component of themachine based upon a state of a current manufacturing cycle and a stateof a previous manufacturing cycle. A display device is in communicationwith the computer to alert an operator of the fault condition and tographically display a location of the component within the machine tofacilitate a corrective measure by the operator. One problem with theprior art, however, is that the operator is always tethered to thecomputer and must provide commands through a keyboard or like device.Furthermore, the maintenance instructions are native to the machine thatis in need of repair or maintenance, requiring that it be in the “on”position during maintenance. Yet another problem with the invention asdescribed is that the machine in need of repair must have beenpre-programmed to respond to the maintenance requirements of the hardwire tether and be able to communicate with the computer to which themachine is tethered.

For existing systems in the repair and maintenance industry, or withinindustries in need of highly specialized on-site repair and maintenancepersonnel, there is presently no system, apparatus or method ofproviding multimedia data acquisition, interpretation, instruction andreporting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a light, portable hands-off or hands-freemaintenance and repair system, using a task-specific hypertexted,animated, voice-synthesized, and/or voice-activated communications andsearch engine that is able to access a task-specific database. Theinstructional program or engine is made task-specific by accessing adatabase of machine, process or operational specific data, which may becomputer data, audio and even video clips that provide the user withreal-time instructional information about the task or tasks that theuser is to perform at a remote location.

The computer device is sufficiently lightweight to use at the remotelocation and provides hands-free command of the engine and access to thetask-specific database so that the user may perform maintenance andrepair on the machine, process or operation with the use of both hands.The task-specific information may include technical views and designdiagrams of the machine, process flow or operation. The task-specificdata will also provide instruction for accessing the machine, process oroperation and be displayed to the viewer through a display device thatmay be, e.g., a head set with partial view of the operation and of thecomputer display or may even be a hand-held display that the userpositions within the user's view.

The present invention includes an information retrieval and input systemfor displaying task-specific data, with a computer having aninput/output device, access to a large capacity information storage anda retrieval device interfaced with the input/output device adapted toreceive a memory medium containing the predetermined digitized data. Thestorage and retrieval device is adapted to access the task-specific dataon the memory medium and to provide the data to the input/output device,the predetermined digitized data may be organized in, e.g., a hypertextformat.

Hypertext may be accessed directly through a hypertext engine or viasoftware written to access hypertext-based data, as well as data inother formats, e.g., in Microsoft Access or D-Base format. Audio andvideo input and output devices may be included in a headset adapted tobe worn by the user. The head mounted image display is supported by theheadset having a virtual image display having one or more eye-piecesadapted to be positioned within the view of the user while performing aspecific task thereby providing video display information from thecomputer to the user in a hands-free, lightweight manner.

The task-specific storage and retrieval instructional program of thepresent invention provides read/write capability for task-specific data,as well as, hands-free voice recognition for providing access to datathat is task-specific on a storage medium or via download. The systemprovided herein may be part of a network. One such system for use withthe portable computer of the present invention is a network card, whichprovides a wireless computer interface with other users or even acustomer support center (CSC) connected through a wireless antenna,through a hard-wired computer network, or a combination thereof.

In operation, the user looks through an eyepiece (or at another type ofdisplay) to view a virtual image that appears in front of the eyepiece,creating the illusion of a high-resolution computer screen for view bythe user. The user sees an image that a number of menus and buttons thatthe user accesses by voice-command without the need for a movementcontrolled device such as a mouse or keyboard, but such a device may beused if voice activation is not necessary or desired.

The display and input devices are connected to a very lightweightcomputer that accesses data from a large capacity storage device, suchas internal hard drive and/or a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive and stores userresponses on, for example, a “journal” file on the hard drive. Thesedevices may hold the task-specific database(s) that allow the user tomake the instructional program task-specific simply by exchanging disksat the remote location. The CD-ROM or DVD may be left at the remotesite, thereby allowing any SIMON user to reach the remote location andaccess the storage medium to access task-specific maintenance and repairinformation. The data may be transmitted to the user at the remotelocation via a hard-wire or by wireless transmission. Other mechanismsfor downloading information are also within the scope of the invention,including network access, remote access (via telephone lines orotherwise) or satellite-based communication systems.

More particularly, the present invention is directed to a portableinstructional system that includes a computer sufficiently lightweightand designed so that it may be worn by a user to which a memory has beenconnected. The memory is connected to and under the control of thecomputer together with a data storage device such as a hard drive. Thesystem also includes a display device that can receive display signalsfrom the computer for visual display to the user and an input device bywhich the user enters commands to the computer. An instructional programis provided that the computer accesses and stores in memory in responseto a user command and displays information concerning a task to beperformed by the user on the display device in response to commands fromthe user.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the portable instructionalsystem that may be worn by a user may also be described as having acomputer of a size sufficiently small to be carried by a user to which amemory is connected to and under control of the computer. A displaydevice that can receive display signals from the computer for visualdisplay to the user and an input device by which the user enterscommands to the computer is also provided. The instructional programthat the computer accesses and stores in memory contains instructionalinformation concerning a task to be performed by the user. The systemmay also include a video camera of a size sufficiently small to be wornor hand-held by a user connected to the system that transmits imagesfrom the camera to a remote site and that is accessed by acommunications system, whereby the user can communicate with anassistant viewing the images at the remote site concerning the taskbeing performed.

The instruction system may include a first computer of a sizesufficiently small to be worn by a user which is connected to a memoryconnected to and under control of the first computer. A display deviceis provided that can receive display signals from the first computer forvisual display to the user as is an input device by which the userenters commands to the first computer. The instructional program isaccessed by the first computer, which the computer stores in memory. Theprogram contains instructional information concerning a task to beperformed by the user at a location. The system also may include asecond computer at a remote site from the user's location for use by anassistant or supervisor working with the user, which is connected to acommunications program by which the second computer receives anddisplays data from the first computer, which data is of a type that aidsin the performance of the task. The first and second computerscommunicate through a wireless data transmitting and receiving deviceconnected to the first computer, which device can transmit data to thestation and receive data from the station. A wireless data transmittingand receiving station having a range, which station can transmit data toand receive data from the first computer anywhere with the range is alsoprovided. Finally, a communications link is provided by which the secondcomputer can send data to and receive data from the wireless stationwhile the user is working on the task within range of the wirelessstation, permitting audio and/or video teleconferencing between the userand the assistant or supervisor.

A computer communication system for use with the present inventionincludes a computer of a size sufficiently small to be worn or hand-heldby a user. A display device that can receive display signals from thecomputer for visual display to the user is connected to the computer asis an input device by which the user enters commands to the firstcomputer. Wireless data is transmitted and received through a deviceconnected to the computer, which device can transmit data to the stationand receive data from the station. The wireless data transmitting andreceiving station has a range, which station can transmit data to andreceive data from the first computer anywhere within the range. Also, acomputer network that can send data to and receive data from thewireless station while the user is working on the task within range ofthe wireless station is provided.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is an instruction systemincludes an instructional program that controls a computer and is storedin memory, which program contains instructional information concerning atask to be performed by a user at a location. An input/output program isalso provided that controls the interaction between the computer and adisplay device and at least one audio input and output device. A reportgenerating program under the control of the instructional program aidsthe user in generating and transmitting an electronic report relating tothe task performed by the user at a location. Finally, an instructionaldatabase under the control of the instructional program, which databasecomprises information specific to the task to be performed by a user ata location is provided along with a communications program by which thecomputer communicates data from the computer to a computer network thatcan receive and transmit data, which data is of a type that aids inreporting performance of the task.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a a computercommunication system that includes a first computer of a sizesufficiently small to be worn by a user that is connected to and controla memory and a display and audio device that can receive display signalsfrom the first computer for visual display to the user and through whichthe user may enters commands to the first computer. The first computeris connected to a wireless data transmitting and receiving device, whichdevice can transmit digital data to a wireless data receiving andtransmitting station, which station is capable of and receiving andtransmitting data from the station. A second computer of a sizesufficiently small to be worn by a user is also able to transmit andreceive wireless data and allows the users of the first and secondcomputers to communicate in real-time. The second computer is alsoconnected to and controls a memory, and a input and display device.

The present invention also includes a method of providing a user with aninstruction system including the steps of providing a user a computersufficiently lightweight and designed to be worn by the user, connectinga memory to, and under the control of, the computer, displaying on adisplay device display signals from the computer within the visual rangeof the user, providing an input device by which the user enters commandsinto the computer and accessing an instructional program that thecomputer stores in memory in response to a user command and displaysinformation concerning a task to be performed by the user on the displaydevice in response to commands from the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of thepresent invention, reference is now made to the detailed description ofthe invention along with the accompanying figures in which correspondingnumerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the basic components of the system disclosedherein;

FIG. 2 is flow chart of the interactive components or modules of theSIMON engine and system as they relate to a user performing a task;

FIG. 3 is a first flow chart of a basic operating system and mainapplication of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a second flow chart of the main application and its relationto various modules;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the maintenance procedures module;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the help module;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the parts search module of the invention;

FIG. 8 a flow chart of a basic reports module for use with theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the security and administrative module;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the communications module for connecting toperipherals that connect the present invention with outside sources ofcommunication; and

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the diagnostics module for use with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts whichcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of theinvention.

The present invention is directed to a system, apparatus and method ofproviding real-time, on-line help to users that may need assistance inoperating, repairing or maintaining a complex system. The presentinvention is not only a complete, interactive, learning repair andmaintenance system, it is customizable for the individual machine thatis in need of operator intervention.

Known as SIMON, for System Integrated Maintenance Online, the presentinvention provides the customer or user with a complete onlinemaintenance package for their specific system. SIMON enables the user toview pages written in, e.g., HyperText Markup Language (HTML).Maintenance procedures are written in HTML. Context sensitive help isavailable to the user regarding the operations of the SIMON engine. Aparts search for the customer's parts database is also available to theuser regarding the operations of the SIMON engine. A parts locator,which enables a user to locate a specific part, is also available. SIMONalso provide reports, security, communications and learning modules.

Each customer that uses the SIMON engine for a particular machine,operation or process determines which modules they will need, and onlyneed to purchase or use the modules that they need. The content of theSIMON system is specific to the customer's specification equipment,version, machine process or operation. SIMON recognizes voice, mouse,keyboard and touch screen input, and may also use the default windowsscreen data.

One type of computer system that may be used with the SIMON system isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,824, issued to Newman, et al., therelevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. Newmandiscloses a portion of a hands-free, portable computer and system thatmay be used with the present invention. The body-worn or portable systemincludes a hands-free computer system. The system does not rely upon akeyboard input or activation apparatus but rather has various activationmeans, which are generally hands-free.

The system of the present invention may be used with other systems,other system components and communication apparatus as described herein.Also, various components of the present system may be body worn orplaced in a disconnected location if desired.

Another such computer system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,492,entitled “Flexible Wearable Computer”, issued to Janik. The relevantportions of the Janik patent are incorporated herein by reference. Janikdiscloses a flexible wearable computer in the form of a belt thatcombines a computer that includes a microprocessor module, a RAM-I/Omodule, memory modules, a power supply module, and bus terminationmodules that are connected with flexible signal wires. The computingelements are physically attached to a flexible non-stretchable belt orharness, and may also include a protective cover. For example, thecomputer may be powered by an 8 hour six volt power supply. The powersupply may be a modular battery that is worn as part of a harness or ona belt. The flexible non-stretchable wearable belt or harness may besecured around various parts of the body. The input and output device ordevices are connected to the flexible wearable computer by the I/O busattached to the output and input ports.

The portable computer hardware for use with the present invention may beimplemented in many different ways. For example, each module may formpart of a solid thermoset plastic casing. Alternatively, a two-part hardplastic shell may be used to encase a mother or one or moresister-boards having thereon the computer components, input/outputdevices, control devices and the like.

The components and support circuitry needed will generally be surfacemounted based on size and soldered to a mother or sister-board. Thecomponents may, alternatively, be affixed to the circuit board with aconductive epoxy or other conductive plastic. The computer may be madeeven thinner and more flexible using chip-on-board and or chip-on-chipmanufacturing technology. Each integrated circuit may be bonded directlyto a small printed circuit board and the terminals may be electricallyconnected to the board. Each integrated circuit may also be covered witha heat radiating element to reduce heating of the integrated circuit andincrease heat dissipation.

The computer may be implemented as one long multilayer polyamideflexible, or rigid-flex, printed circuit board. As an entirely flexibleprinted circuit board, the modules that form part of the computer systemincrease the rigidity and durability of the portions of the computerwith electronic components.

To interconnect within a computer component or among the differentintegrated circuit components or even from one components (See FIG. 1,e.g., the computer 102) to a separate component of the flexible portablecomputer (See FIG. 1, e.g., storage medium 122) flexible metallic wiresor even non-metallic electrically conductive filaments or wires may beused. The same holds true for the connections between the computerhardware and the communications devices and/or the head gear andcommunications devices thereon. The computer may even be implementedusing fiber optic device connections. For such a connection, opticalfiber filaments instead of metallic or non-metallic conductors are usedwith photosensitive detectors at each end of the filament thatcommunicate the optical signal. One advantage or flexible wires oroptical connections is that they are easily replaced when worn or mayeven be disconnected and connected to another device, such as anotherhead gear or even a stand-alone computer.

Furthermore, the configuration of the flexible portable computer neednot be in a belt but may be part of a harness, thereby causing a betterdistribution of the weight of the components during use. The module andbus assembly may be fashioned in a variety of ways such as a vest. Whenworn as a vest, the harness that contains or holds the flexible computermay even be adapted to look like normal uniforms or clothing, therebyincreasing comfort.

Input and output devices for use with the flexible computer may include,for example, a touch sensitive flexible liquid crystal display (LCD)hanging from a belt or even worn on a forearm or thigh. The wearercontrols the computer by touching virtual graphical elements on an LCDwith either the right or left hand. An added advantage of this design isthat individuals that are, for one reason or another, physicallychallenged may benefit from the availability of a fully integratedhands-off or even hands-on flexible portable computer. A pen-based inputand output device may also be used, in combination with, e.g., a PalmPilot or other hand-held device that may interface with the portablecomputer and the SIMON engine. For example, the pen location data issent to the computer via an infra-red link or hard connection and thecomputer sends corresponding graphical information to the pen-basedinput and output device.

Another possible configuration for the portable computer for use withthe invention is using a free-space pointer input device and a privateeye heads-up display as the output device. A free-space pointer, such asa GyroPoint, translates relative three-dimensional motion of the handinto digital pulses that are monitored by the computer. Software driverstranslate the digital pulses into corresponding movements of the cursorin the virtual screen generated by the heads-up display. Both thefree-space pointer and the heads-up display may be connected to thecomputer via tethers, thin wires or optically.

The present invention also includes connections via wirelesstransmission to a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN).A wireless transceiver, e.g., a WaveLan® wireless network IEEE 802.11card (Lucent Technologies), may be functionally connected to thecomputer to provide for digital communications to a wireless networkbackbone. The transceiver communicates via radio-frequency pulses, whichmay also incorporate echo handling capabilities for delay spread. One ormore wireless repeaters and or transceivers may be mounted over the workenvironment in which the portable computer is worn and used. Securityfeatures may also be included in the wireless communication such as dataencryption.

Wireless communication may also be via infra-red signals, however, thismethod generally requires line-of-sight contact between thereceiver/transceiver and the antenna or detector on the floor, wall orceiling. Existing LANs or WANs may be easily retrofitted to add wirelesscommunication capabilities without the need for rewiring.

Also, the wireless communication may allow SIMON users to communicatepeer to peer during repair and maintenance operations directly orthrough a network. With the addition of a LAN/WAN based outdoor antenna,the present system may even be used to communicate SIMON users in twoseparate buildings or even in remote locations. The LAN/WANcommunications network connection may also be used to connect to anintranet or the internet to communicate with remote sites within a samegroup or corporation to communicate to a centralized consumer supportcenter (CSC).

An audio output device may include one or more earphones, such as aheadset. An audio input device such as a microphone is provided forreceiving voice commands. Real-time text to speech conversion may beprovided using commercially available voice-recognition software, e.g.,Dragon Naturally Speaking. The microphone is adapted to receive speechdata from the computer and to provide audio input to the earphone. Themicrophone may even be a lapel worn microphone such as an Electretmicrophone from Gentex. A light weight headset having an earphone,microphone and a video display may be provided in combination andconnected to the computer.

FIG. 1 shows the components and features of a portable computer 100 foruse with the present invention as it is worn by a user. A computer 102may include a housing and be secured by a belt, harness or otherattachment apparatus, flexible or not (in the embodiment depicted astrap or belt 104 which is worn around the user's 106 waist for securingthe system unit or housing 102), to a user 106. The computer 102 furtherincludes a monocular or duo-ocular display unit 108 for receivinginformation from the computer 102. The display unit 108 displaysinformation received for the computer 102 under the control of user 106or a remote operator. The display unit 108 may include a headband 110, adisplay screen 112, a speaker 114, and a microphone 116 connected to theheadband 110. The headband 110 is adapted to be worn by the user 106 inany convenient location, but preferably upon the user's 106 forehead, asdepicted. The position of the display screen 112 may be adjusted via theadjustable arm 118 so that the operator may view comfortably informationdisplayed on the display screen 112. As depicted, the adjustable arm118, is in fact, not only an adjustable arm but a camera that displaysto the user 106 through display screen 112 or to an operator at a remotelocation the image before the user 106. The display screen 112 iselectrically connected to the computer 102,. in the present embodiment,via a cable 120, although other ways of connecting the two componentsmay alternatively be employed.

The computer 102 may further include transducers and converters toprovide communications with display unit 108 for receiving activating(from audio, eye-tracking or EEG) commands from the user, for convertingthe receiver commands into electrical signals, for recognizing theconverted electrical signals and for sending the recognized electricalsignals to a processor within the computer 102. In the presentembodiment, the transducers and converters may includes the microphone116 through which the user 106 may issue verbal commands to the system,apparatus and method of the present invention. The microphone 116, thespeaker 114 and the display 118, in the present embodiment, areelectrically-connected to the system unit 106 via a cable 120, althoughthose with ordinary skill. in the art will appreciate that any input ortransducer device could be used and that the input or transducer couldbe supported by the user at some other location.

The computer 102, in the present embodiment, may further includephysical or non-physical connections to provide communication betweenthe computer 102 and other peripherals 122 that communicate with thecomputer 102 and that may provide, for example, read-only or read-writememory or other capability (such hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD,Magneto-optical, or like storage devices). In the embodiment depicted,the peripheral pack 122 is also attached to the belt 104 and iselectrically connectable via cables 126 to the computer 102. While thepresent invention as illustrated in FIG. 1 is depicted using voiceactivation, it will be understood by those of skill in the art thatother ways of connecting, accessing and controlling the computer 102 maybe substituted therefor as described herein.

Also depicted in FIG. 1, is a wireless remote communications node 128that serves to interconnect the user 106 with a remote wireless network140. A wireless antenna or receiver 142 may be positioned in the same oran adjacent room, depending on the range of the wireless remotecommunications node 128 and the reception and signal throughput requiredfor transmission of audio, video, computer data, or any combinationsthereof.

The antenna 142 may connect through a local area network (LAN) or a widearea network (WAN) through, e.g., a hard wire connection 144 to acentral server 146, which is in turn connected to the CSC by ISDN lines.The central server may be located in the same facility or adjacentfacilities that are connected through the LAN or WAN to the remotewireless network. Alternatively, or as part of the same system, aconnection 148 to an intranet, the internet, via modem or other suchdigital or analog communications system may be used to remotely transmita signal to a remote location.

FIG. 2 shows a chart with the operational access that SIMON provides tothe user of the SIMON portable computer and system. The SIMON engine,designated as 200 provides the user 202 access to a variety offunctionalities. The SIMON engine 220 is able to access one or moremodules, in real-time, to provide the user 202 with information as tothe status of the main application 204 and, e.g., a help menu 208 forrunning the main program or any of the one or more modules that servethe user 202. For example, the user performing a specific task at aremote location may access the maintenance procedures module 206 toobtain step by step instruction and maintenance procedures for repairinga particular piece of equipment or for the use of certain tools. TheSIMON engine 200 also allows a user that is in the maintenanceprocedures module 206 to access either the parts search module 210 orthe parts locator module 212, which permit the user to find out partsnumbers and availability in the parts inventory, locally or globally.

The SIMON engine 200 is also able to interface with a reports module 214that is capable of taking the maintenance procedure information derivedfrom the maintenance procedure module 206 and submit a report, inreal-time, on-line or in a subsequent data dump. The report may be usednot only to report that the repair has been completed, but may also becapable of providing full parts listings for any new parts used orneeded. By tying the reports module 214 into a LAN or WAN, the reportmay be used to standardize reporting and maintenance procedures withoutthe vagaries and informality often found with hand-written maintenancerecords. The reports module 212 itself, or a compatible application, mayalso provide a docket of maintenance to be conducted or that has beenmissed to update maintenance records.

The SIMON engine 200 is also capable of accessing security protocolsthat permit or limit the user's 202 access to the SIMON engine 200itself, for communications outside of the SIMON engine 200, for accessto information from the other modules, or any other security protocolsthat may be necessary. The SIMON engine 200 is also capable of improvingits help to the user 202 through the learning module 218. The learningmodule 218 permits the SIMON engine 200 to increase user 202 performanceby, e.g., noticing patterns in the user's 202 method of accessing theSIMON engine 200 and its modules to anticipate the user's 202 needs. Thediagnose module 220 allows the SIMON engine 200 to-providetroubleshooting information to the user 202 with real-time or on-lineaccess to diagnostic protocols, equipment or remote diagnosiscapabilities.

The communications module 222 allows the SIMON engine 200 to interfacewith a variety of sources of information, communications, data, and thelike. For example, the communications module provides not only thevoice-recognition capabilities to the SIMON engine 200, but also allowscommunications within the equipment that serves, and is in contact withthe SIMON engine 200 and the user 202. The communications module 222 iscapable of accessing audio and video captured on any storage mediumassociated, or in communications with, the SIMON engine 200. Thecommunications module 222 also permits the SIMON engine 200 tocommunicate by hard wire or wireless with a LAN, WAN, intranet, internetor other network with which the SIMON engine 200 may need communication.Data transfer through these local or remote networks may include, e.g.,data, sound, voice, images, video or other analog or digital informationthat the user 202 may be able to access through the SIMON engine 200.

More importantly, the SIMON engine 200 provides a “shell” program thatis used to access machine, process or operation specific instructionalprogramming, databases, troubleshooting, reporting and other informationto a user performing a task at a remote location. The instructional taskspecific information may be stored at the remote location in the formof, e.g., CD-ROM or hard drive files that contain data, audio, image andvideo information that is specific to the task before the user.

If a user must repair or maintain several different pieces of equipmentin a given day, e.g., a single SIMON engine loaded on a portablecomputer is able to provide the user with task-specific information byloading the task-specific data. Once the task has been conducted, thetask-specific data is removed or erased and new task-specificinstructional data is accessed through the SIMON engine at a newlocation or for a different machine, process or operation. The SIMONengine may be implemented in software, in hardware as a ROM or acombination of hardware and software.

Main Application

The main application module 204 of the SIMON engine may have, itself, amodular design and may be developed using Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 orMicrosoft Visual C++ 6.0. The main application module 204 interfaceswith a browser engine developed with, e.g., Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0.The main application module 204 enables the user to view pages writtenin, e.g., HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and interface with amachine's diagnostics file. Support for JavaScript and standard webrelated plug-ins (such as audio, video), may also be included as part ofthe browser interface.

Additional features may include voice activation using AT&T Watson VoiceControl, or other voice control software and a Computer Aided Design(CAD) drawing viewer supported by the Autodesk Whip plug-in or otherapplication. The application may be designed to run under Windows 95/98,Macintosh or Windows NT operating system (OS).

Voice activation allows the user hands-free operation. All functionsachieved via buttons or mouse events are capable of being achievedthrough voice commands. The Whip plug-in allows the user to view, e.g.,CAD drawings in Drawing Web Format (DWF). The functions of zoom, pan,and scroll are controlled by Whip plug-in or other application, and maybe voice-activated through voice control software.

The main application module 204 may have text-defined buttons across thetop part of the screen that provides access to the other modules. Mainbuttons display a sub-button menu for additional options. A second setof buttons is displayed along the bottom of the screen that will showthe general controls most needed for a specific function. Other buttonsare displayed as necessary along the left side or bottom of the screenas required for each function. The main application module 204 may bedesigned to be the same for each customer or for each user. Somefeatures and properties of the main application module 204, however, maybe deactivated at the customer's request prior to installation, and thecustomer may even control some features. Commands for voice activationmay also be standardized, with additional commands customized to meetcustomer needs. The standard commands are single or two word “keywords”to insure consistency and connection accuracy.

The response time using a keyboard, mouse, or voice activation to accessthe main application module 204 and the other modules will generally beless than 2 seconds. Requests for customized commands may be analyzedfor complexity and structured to meet the response time criteria or anindividual system or user.

The main application module 204 of the SIMON engine functions as themain Graphical User Interface (GUI) from which all other modules arecalled. Since SIMON is primarily an HTML page viewer, it is visible atall times and will have a window area large enough to accommodate theHTML contents, but may be written in other like codes having likefunctionality. Each function of the main application module 204 iscapable of user activation by means of a keyboard, mouse, or voiceactivation. Voice commands may match the button command or commoncommands identified in the command dictionary. Voice commanded wordsthat are active within a specific HTML page are made known to the userthrough text variation of the voice active word.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the SIMON engine may automatically open when theuser powers on the computer loaded with SIMON. If the SIMON engine isnot part of the start-up of the computer when the computer was lastshutdown, an icon is made available on the desktop that will allow theuser to use voice, mouse or keyboard to activate SIMON. SIMON opens witha login prompt 300 requesting the user to input their assigned ID andpassword. Such a login screen may or may not be required depending onsystem's security requirements as well as the presence or absence of thereports module. The user inputs their login information via a keyboard,voice activated or other input and SIMON determines is the user login isvalid at 302. On confirmation, the user is directed to, e.g., a splashscreen 304 followed by a display start up screen 306. The option to tourthe functions of SIMON are selected at decision box 308, which permitsthe user to start SIMON 310 or enter a SIMON tour 312.

If the login is invalid, an error message 314 is presented to the userand the user is allowed to try to re-enter the login name and passwordat decision box 316. If three failed attempts are made, then the user isforced to exit the application at 318. Additional security may be addedthat requires administrator intervention to allow renewed access to thelogin prompt 300, if necessary.

After confirmation and log-in, and following a brief change in screenappearance or splash screen 304, the user is given the option to tour312 the functions of SIMON at the main screen display 320. If tour ischosen at 312, the user is presented with a training presentation on thebasic operation of SIMON. The presentation will show the user the basicvoice commands and how the various functions work. Upon completion, theuser should have a good general understanding of how SIMON works and howto access its modules. The user is returned to the select optiondecision box 308, which permits the user to start SIMON 310 or exit theSIMON application 318. The decision for which module of SIMON the userselects is made at decision box 322, which permits the user to enter anumber of SIMON functions, including, for example, the SIMON programsetup 324, a maintenance procedure module 326, a diagnosis module 328, aparts module 330, a reports module 332, a communications or connectionmodule 334 or a help module 336. Similar modules are depicted in FIG. 2.

Turning now to FIG. 4, in conjunction with FIG. 3, if the set-up optionis selected 324, the user is allowed to choose from a number of optionsat 400. One option for the SIMON engine is to permit the user to selectfrom a number of systems in need of maintenance to choose from. Atsystem select 402, the user is prompted to select from a list ofavailable systems by displaying a list of machine types and machinemodel numbers that are available to the SIMON engine. The user thenselects from the list of machines displayed 404. Alternatively, the usermay be allowed to search by entering a machine to machine model fromwhich to choose or that may be downloaded from a local or remote site.Alternatively, the administrator may deactivate this feature if theSIMON engine is already machine, process or operation specific. Once theuser selects from the list, SIMON will open the SIMON introductory pageand load the appropriate HTML page for that machine and model. The usermay then choose to start the maintenance operation by indicating thatthey are familiar with SIMON and have knowledge of how to work on thatparticular system in need of maintenance.

Alternatively, the user may access, through SIMON, local or onlinereference material and are immediately prompted with a selectioncriteria for use and operation. Navigation may be through a keyboard,mouse or preferably through voice or visual recognition commands.

The set-up option menu 324 in addition to allowing access to preselectedoptions at 402, also permits the user to access specific files byaccessing a drive and directory where SIMON data files, such as HTML anddatabase files are located 408. The particular type of machine(s) or theoperation(s) that will be accessed through the SIMON engine may beselected from the menu or directory and access to the same may berestricted by the administrator depending on the user. The user mayeither select from a list of file types or may search via name, numberor other identifier until a match is found.

The set-up display menu 324 also permits the user to access a customersupport center (CSC) link 410, through which the user may have directaccess to one or more CSC's. A preselected list may be made available tothe user depending on the machine and model selected at 402. Theconfiguration options for the CSC may also be selected at 412, whichwill conform to the CSC that is being accessed and the various optionsavailable to the user in terms of data, audio and video access. The usermay also select set-up options local to the portable system that theuser is using. One such option is the speech set-up 414, in which theuser is permitted to change the user speech profile. This option isparticularly useful when more that one user, or even a new user, may beusing a portable SIMON system and the computer needs to be instructed onthe particular speech pattern of the user.

Likewise, the set-up display menu 324 may be used to access the securityset-up 418, which permits the user, depending on their level of user, tomodify, e.g., user accounts and privileges 420. The user is also allowedto close 422, exit 426 or shut down 430 the system. The close option 422closes the main set-up window 424 and returns the user to the start-updisplay screen 306 (see FIG. 3). The exit option 426, exits the SIMONapplication all together and returns the user to the desktop of thesystem. The shutdown option 430, on the other hand, exits both the SIMONengine or application and initiates or prompts for the operating systemof the computer on which SIMON is operating to shut-down.

All user inputs may be activated by, e.g., voice, keyboard, or mouse.Input choice may be activated from a button menu. When a specific buttonfrom the button menu is chosen, the button sub-buttons are displayed onthe screen. The following is a brief list of commands that may beautomatically accessed by the SIMON engine by pressing a button on thescreen or via single keyword, sound or visual cue from the SIMON engineby the user:

File—File button, when activated displays “File” sub-buttons on screenwith the following options:

Open—If “Open” is chosen, the user is given a choice of which HTML fileto open. If only one HTML file is available, that file is the defaultHTML file to open.

Find—“Find” will activate a pop up window allowing the user to speak ortype the word they wish to find. “Find” will search the active HTML pagefor the requested word and if found will highlight the word. The user isable to close “Find” and continue in the active HTML page or elect tofind the next instance of the word by using the “Find Next” button. Ifno match of the word is found, the user will receive a message boxindicating “No match found”.

Exit—If “Exit” is chosen, the user is prompted to confirm close with aConfirm Exit box. If the user chooses No, the Confirm Exit box willclose and the user remains in the active HTML page. If the user choosesYes, SIMON saves any updates to the appropriate report_log file and thenexit the active HTML page. SIMON will then return the user to theWindows/NT OS desktop.

Print—SIMON system may be attached to a printer if the user wishes toproduce hard copy reports or even to “print” to a remote locationelectronically as a fax or data transmission. If the user selects print,a SIMON Print box will appear to identify the default printer and allowthe user a print selection of reports or HTML page. The daily report logis highlighted as the default print selection. Date defaults to currentsystem date for daily reports. If the user selects any other item, thatitem becomes the highlighted selection. The user may select an alternatedate to generate a desired report. The HTML page selection refers to theactive HTML page. Choosing “Ok” will print the highlighted selection tothe designated printer. Cancel will close print and SIMON will return tothe active HTML page. Individual report specifications identified underthe Report Module, as described in detail hereinbelow.

Security—If “Security” is chosen, a security log-in window is presented.On verification of the users ID and password as administrator, the useris allowed to add users, modify existing users and delete existing usersdelete the report log-files and deactivate the machine type entry boxthrough the “Administration Edit” screen. The “Machine Type Input Box”default is activated. If deactivate is chosen, the button will change to“Activate Machine Type.”

Shutdown—If “Shutdown” is chosen, the user is prompted to confirmshutdown with a “Confirm Shutdown” box. If user chooses No, the “ConfirmShutdown” box will close and the user will remain in the active HTMLpage. If the user chooses Yes, SIMON will exit the active HTML page thenproceed to initiate the complete OS shutdown sequence. “Shutdown” allowsthe user to turn the power off after shutdown complete, without havingto initiate shutdown through the Windows/NT OS.

Diagnose—Diagnose allows the user to connect to the specified machinediagnostics file. Diagnose activates the Diagnostics Module asidentified in the Diagnostics Module, as described in detailhereinbelow.

Parts—Parts when activated displays Parts sub-buttons on screen. Partsprovides access to the task specific parts database and parts locatorthrough the parts module.

Search—Search activates parts_search. Parts_search allows the user tosearch a task specific database for a part by using a part number orpart description. Parts_search is defined in the Parts Modulespecifications.

Locator—Locator activates parts_locator. Parts_locator allows the userto display the customer defined, task specific graphical view of theequipment parts. Parts_locator is defined in the Parts Locator Modulespecifications.

Reports—Reports when activated displays Reports sub-buttons on screen.Reports are defined in the Reports Module and are also task specific andmay be customer defined. Reports allow the user to choose the type ofreport to print. To insure security control of information, only theuser with appropriate administrative rights is allowed to deletereport_log file information.

Daily—The Daily report is the default report that is generated when theuser logs on. This is the default report to print when File_print isactivated.

Custom—Custom reports will allow the user to generate a report byspecifying the time interval desired. The Custom report also allows theuser to create and filter a report by type of maintenance (repair orpreventive maintenance).

Connect—Connect when activated displays Connect sub-button on screen.Connect allows the user to establish a connection with a CSC computer.The connection allows full duplex audio and live or still image videotransmission, as needed.

CSC—If the user selects CSC, SIMON will deactivate the voice commandfeatures of the HTML application and SIMON interface. Once voicecommands are deactivated, SIMON will establish an audio/video connectionallowing the user to have full duplex net conferencing typecommunications with the default CSC.

Connection from a SIMON user performing a task to the CSC may beprovided by, e.g., connecting the SIMON user having a Wavelan® wirelesstransceiver to a server having a Wavepoint connection. The Wavepointhardware and software connect to a VBX telephone box-CODEC hybridconnection. The VBX/CODEC transmits a SIMON inquiry through an ISDNconnection to another XBC/CODECLAN connection at the CSC. The CSC canthen receive, transmit and display information from the SIMON user, beit data (such as a report or system status), video and audio that allowthe personnel at the CSC to view the task that the SIMON user has aninquiry about in real time. Of particular importance is videotransmission in color, where the color of wiring may be of criticalimportance to completing the task, but more importantly, for the safetyof the user in particularly dangerous situations.

The audio connection may be active at all times during the CSCconnection. The video connection is at the control of the user andactivated as needed. If the video connection is activated, a smallwindow will open on the user screen allowing the user to view the videofeed to the CSC. When the user has completed the communication with theCSC, a salutation such as “hang-up”, “disconnect” or “good-bye” willtrigger SIMON to disconnect and close the CSC connection. SIMON willverify that the connection is closed and re-activate the voice commandfeatures of the HTML file and SIMON interface.

The customer will define the default CSC. If the customer chooses tohave additional CSC listings, each CSC will have its own uniqueidentification name and will follow the same series of commands as ifselecting the default CSC.

Help—Help when activated displays Help sub-buttons on screen. The usercan select Help Contents or About SIMON.

Help Contents—Help Contents opens a new window and allows the user tochoose the type of help wanted. The choices for help under Help Contentsare SIMON Commands, Parts Search, Viewing DWF Drawings, About Reports,About Audio/Video and Dictionary. Each of these help topics will offerdefinitions or instructions depending on the title chosen. Help Contentsis defined in Help Module.

About SIMON—About SIMON opens a floating window. About SIMON containsthe legal information, customer registration information, licenseinformation and plug-in information that are required to use SIMON.About SIMON is defined in the Help Module.

The SIMON engine may also have a failure contingencies an error messageis displayed if data is not accessible. The user is able to connect to aCSC. The Main Application program is written in Microsoft Visual Basic6.0 and/or Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0. Computer Security Requirements mayinclude a security level set up in the security functions. Humanperformance requirements, and/or reports thereof, may be included forthe purpose of monitoring user performance during a particularmaintenance operation.

As mentioned hereinabove, individual modules that are part of SIMON areused in conjunction with the HTML content and within its context, thatis depending on the machine and model. The machine/model specificmodules may contain program default information as well as customizedinformation per customer request. For example, default information areitems that are part of the SIMON application such as the commanddictionary within the help module 208. If the user requires assistancefrom a customer service center (CSC), they are able to connect and sendboth audio and video by means of net conferencing via the communicationsmodule 222. Upon speaking the command for A/V connection, SIMON willdial the customer service center and activate the video camera for livefeed. Commands (e.g., mute or pause) for the A/V will give the user somecontrol over the functions of both the audio and video feed.

Upon completion of using SIMON, information pertaining to the specificmachine/model and repair parameters that are preselected or that aremodified in the set-up module may be automatically saved in, e.g., areport_log file for future reference and or report output for use in thereports module 214. Before completion of log-off, the user is promptedto verify the type of maintenance or repair performed, if therepair/maintenance task was completed, and add any additional commentsregarding the repair/maintenance the user may wish to add. A standardset of report options as well as a set of customized reports may beprovided for the specific task and may be reported as defined in theReport Module 214, described hereinbelow.

The user will have the choice of “Shutdown” or “Exit”. Choosing“Shutdown” instructs SIMON to initiate a complete shut down of thesystem. Complete shutdown from SIMON will activate the Windows/NT OSshutdown sequence and allow the user to turn off the power when promptedto do so. “Exit” closes SIMON and returns the user to the Windows/NTdesktop allowing the user to initiate shut down when ready. The user maybe required to enter the machine type and machine number of the machinethey are working on (this feature can be deactivated by administrator).

If shutdown is chosen then the entire SIMON engine program may be shutdown by connecting into the SIMON-operating system automatic shutdownprotocol prior to complete program shutdown. The user may also chose toexit the current customized machine or operation module and return tothe main SIMON screen. A default set of voice command may also beactivated through the use of a keyboard or mouse. Additional commandsmay be added at customer request. Audio and video net conferencing, autodial capabilities may be provided when connection to a CSC is requested.A video stream feed allows a CSC the same view as user, while a fullduplex audio connection allows the user to speak to the CSC direct.

Maintenance Procedures Module

Specific performance requirements for the maintenance module 206 may beprovided using information displayed using HTML (HyperText MarkupLanguage). Button options allow the user to move between procedures. Themaintenance procedures will allow the user to view online procedures torepair, maintain, clean, etc. Video (MPEG—Motion Picture ExpertsGroup—files) are viewable from the maintenance procedures. The contentis task specific, which may be selected in the set-up menu.

FIG. 5 provides a flow chart of the maintenance procedure module 326.For the maintenance or repair procedure data and information to beaccurate, the user may be prompted to select the required machine,process or operation type and number; if one has not already beenselected. Next, the user is prompted to select a maintenance operationoption at 500. Two options that may be made available to the user are toinstruct SIMON to provide maintenance information related to proceduresthat are either unscheduled 502 or preventive 504. Depending on the typeof maintenance operation that is selected, the SIMON engine will displaya browser window that permits for navigation of the appropriate HTMLmenu page 506. The browser window provides the user with options toselect at 508, which permit the user to access, for example, hyperlinkcontrols may also have standard and customized browser controls forfurther navigation. The user may even be provided with a list andschedule for each of the maintenance operations, whether preventive orscheduled.

If hyperlink 510 is chosen, then a context sensitive display 512 isactivated that provides the user with specific information about themaintenance procedures. For example, MPEG video, Autocad drawings,viewer and schematics, etc., are displayed for the user. Alternatively,the user may select to enter a browser control 514 window though whichthe user select may elect to operate the functions of the browser, suchas home, refresh, back, print, find, etc., that are enabled through theHTML menu page 506.

One of the options provided at the maintenance procedure options promptis the display of the graphics, text and any links that are provided forthat particular option. An option display may, for example, include alink to the context sensitive display At the option display the user isallowed to access information that is selected by paging down or upthrough the HTML page for the maintenance procedure(s). Alternatively,and if available, the user may be prompted to display a sound or videoclip, or may simply return to the top of the page. The user may beprovided with the source data and/or reference equipment or permitted toinput context specific information at the administration level, ifappropriate.

HTML files will lead the user through the maintenance procedures, byhyperlinking with point and click or voice activation. The maintenanceprocedure HTML displays may display the procedure using graphics, text,audio or video. The information contained in the HTML is customerspecific data. The user can choose a “Show Me How” option to view video(MPEG files) for tasks requiring supporting motion video. As with theprevious module, and in fact all the modules of the SIMON engine, theseare voice, visually, keyboard or mouse activated. The user will selectbutton options to view the maintenance procedure data, as follows. Thecontent is specific to the user's task and is displayed as follows. Theuser is able to view video clips by clicking or speaking the “Show MeHow” hyperlink. If multiple MPEG files are used, a different voicecommand is provided for each MPEG file.

Help Module

The help module shows the user a number of options that permit access tohelp information from a variety of sources and at a variety of levels.For example, help button options allow the user to select the type ofhelp requested. Two immediate options that may be made available to theuser are “Help Contents” and “About SIMON”. The help information mayalso be displayed using HTML. The help module allows the user to viewon-line help information for the various functions of SIMON as well asthe legal requirements necessary for the ownership and use of SIMON. TheHTML help pages will contain text and graphics.

Specific performance requirements for the maintenance module 206 may beprovided using information displayed using HTML (HyperText MarkupLanguage). Button options allow the user to move between procedures. Themaintenance procedures will allow the user to view online procedures torepair, maintain, clean, etc. Video (MPEG—Motion Picture ExpertsGroup—files) are viewable from the maintenance procedures. The contentis task specific, which may be selected in the set-up menu.

FIG. 6 provides a flow chart of the help module 600. First, the user isprompted to select a help operation option at 602. Three options aremade available to the user in help module 600 to instruct SIMON toprovide help information related to the characteristics of the SIMONengine 604, such as the display of copyright and version information606. Depending on the type of engine and version, the SIMON engine willdisplay a browser window that contains the appropriate information. Theuser may also select the Tour Simon 608 option, that directs the userinto a multimedia presentation 610 that contains information about theSIMON engine, its uses, etc. Alternatively, the user may select thecontents 612 menu that directs the user to a browser window thatprovides the user with options 616 to select at 614, which permit theuser to access, for example, hyperlink controls 618 may also havestandard and customized browser controls for further navigation 622.

If hyperlink 618 is chosen, then a context sensitive display 620 isactivated that provides the user with specific information about thecontent of help available. For example, MPEG video, Autocad drawings,viewer and schematics, etc. are displayed for the user. Alternatively,the user may select to enter a browser control 622 window though whichthe user select may elect to operate the functions of the browser, suchas home, refresh, back, print, find, etc. that are enabled through theHTML menu page 624.

The help module 600 may have the same help information for all customersfor a particular machine, process or operation, however, other more useror task specific options may be made available to specific users whetherby limiting access to the information or by not providing informationthat may be outside the expertise of the specific user.

The help module may be written with Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0. Pagesfor Help may be written in HTML. “About SIMON” information may bewritten in a Visual Basic 6.0 window.

The contents of the help function for use with the SIMON engine mayinclude topic selections that provide a list of “Help Contents”, whichthe user may access through a selection of preselected help topics. The“Help Contents” portion of the topic selection index is a list ofavailable help topics from which to choose. Selection of a topic displayhelp information about a specific topic may also be reached by searchingusing letters, keywords or phrases as part of the search topic profileof the help menu. If the searched for topic is found within the selectedhelp contents menu, then the SIMON engine takes the user to the specificlocation of the search information sought, or the user may be promptedto another selection after reviewing the material presented.Alternatively, the user may not find a topic and an error message isdisplayed and the user is prompted to try again. At any point, the useris permitted to chose the close help option that returns the user to themain SIMON engine window.

The default Help HTML page that contains the selected topics and may becreated using Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0. Voice, keyboard or mouseactivates all user inputs. When user selects the Help button, the Helpsub-buttons are displayed. The user will have the choice of selecting“Help Contents” or “About SIMON”.

Help Contents—Help Contents displays a list of available help topics.The Help Contents HTML page displays a list of available topics. Topicswill include SIMON Commands, Online Reference Parts Information, ViewingDWF Drawings, About Reports, and About Audio/Video. Each topic will linkto its specific HTML page and further expand on the help informationavailable to that topic.

About SIMON—About SIMON opens a floating window. About SIMON willcontain the legal information, customer registration information,license information and plug-in information that are required to useSIMON. If the Help Content HTML page fails to load, an error messagewill appear. The user will have the option to try again or leave theHelp Content.

An error message is displayed if the HTML page fails to load. The useris given the choice quit or try again. If it fails a second time, theuser is instructed on how to check for the HTML help page and how toreload the page if necessary. Content for Help may be written in HTMLand the display configuration will depend on the system, operator,machine or operation to be undertaken.

The Help module may or may not include any functions that may be changedby the user. The security may be defined at the programming level or bylimiting or not providing the user access to help data beyond thepreselected criteria of the SIMON engine that was customized for thatparticular use. The help module may even provide a dictionary ofcomponents and provide the user with alternative references for a likeitem in a task specific manner or context. Likewise, the help module mayprovide the user with help as to the use of SIMON, its command structureand capabilities. The help module may even be used to obtain step bystep instruction for communication with a CSC.

Parts Search Module

The parts search module provides the user with information that is readfrom a parts database, whether local to the computer or fixed storagemedium or available through the communications module. The partsdatabase can be in Microsoft Access or Oracle. Search requestinformation is input from the user. A database search will occur andrecords are read and displayed. The matching records are displayed, forexample, up to 20 at a time. Error messages are displayed if a databaseerror occurs, the data is not in the expected format, or if no data isentered. If no data is found a message is displayed to that effect.

The parts locator or data module is now described in connection withFIG. 7. The display parts menu 700 may be a custom format for each taskthat a user needs to perform. The program determines the databaseformat, e.g., Microsoft Access or Oracle. The program will read theheader information to determine the fields and field lengths. The searchwill not be performed if the program cannot open the database, thedatabase is not readable or is not in the correct format.

The parts program may be called display parts 700 and is accessedthrough a display entry screen 700 in which the user is prompted toselection 702 from a two options: locate parts 704 or search parts 706.If the user selects the locate parts 704 option, then the user mayselect the contents from a menu in a browser window 708 that providesthe user with options 710. The options 710 available to the user mayinclude hyperlink controls 712 or customizable browser controls 716.

If hyperlink 712 is chosen, then a context sensitive display 714 isactivated that provides the user with specific information about theparts available. For example, MPEG video, AutoCAD drawings, viewer andschematics, etc., are displayed for the user. Alternatively, the usermay select to enter a browser control 716 window though which the userselect may elect to operate the functions of the browser, such as home,refresh, back, print, find, etc., that are enabled through the HTML menupage 718

Alternatively, the user is prompted to search the parts database 706 orsubmits user provided data to be searched at a display entry screen 720.The user may then make a selection from the criteria provided by theuser or made available to the user at retrieve search criteria 722. Theuser may then select from three options at 724. If the user decides tosubmit the criteria input or selected by the user 726, the criteria isdirected to a query database 728 for an exact, partial or related searchparameters. If the user makes an error in input the user may cancel thesearch at 740 which leads the user to the main menu at 742.Alternatively, if the user makes an error the fields may be reset and aset search blank criteria is presented to the user at 746. Reset clearsany and all search fields 722 input by the user, thereby resetting thesearch parameters. If no data is entered an error is displayed, whichthen prompts the user to once again input user data.

If the user provides input data, such as part name, number, catalognumber and the like, the parts program searches the database for thecorresponding part. The search results are then displayed 730. If norecords match a message is displayed that no records were found usingthe user input search parameters and the user is provided with anoptions menu 732, from which the user may select a new search 734, thenext 20 search hits 736 or to end the search 738. The next 20 hits areprovided at 742; if 20 or a fractions thereof remains. If the userselects to end the search, then the user is returned to the main screen742, wherein the user is allowed to choose from the main menu options.

The user may input a data request directly or select from a “call-out”number that is linked to an image of the machine, process or operationthat a user is performing and that the user accessed through the SIMONengine. The program will get the data entered and send a message thatcontains the user input to parts_search to start the database search. Ifthe search yields a match or several matches then the program displays ascreen to the user with the first 20 data search output matches.

If the user asks for more data a message is sent to parts_search.Parts_search will send more data and it is displayed. If the user isfinished, a message is sent to parts_search and the program ends. Thisoption allows the user to look at however many screens are part of theparts search information for that particular part.

A number of functions may be provided that form part of the parts searchmodule.

begin_search—opens the database, call search_records. When finished isreceived from display_parts, the database is closed. If the open is notsuccessful, an error message is sent to display_parts.

search_records—finds the first 20 records that match the data receivedand send them to display_parts. If no records are found a message issent to display_parts indicating no records were found. While the userwants more records the next 20 are sent to display_parts. If the read isunsuccessful, an error message is sent to display_parts.

display_screen—displays the screen for user input;

user_response—receives user input, formats data and sends toparts_search.

display_data—receives data from parts search and displays the results.This function displays messages to the user

When the parts search module receives data from display_parts, it willopen the database, read data and look for a match. It will send, e.g.,the first ten items found to display_parts and wait for a message fromdisplay_parts. If the user asks for the next records, the program willlook for the next 20 records and send them to display_parts if found. Ifrecords are not found a message is sent to display_parts. If the user isfinished, the program will close the database.

The database format for use with the parts search module may be taskspecific. As with all the other modules, the user input may be voice,keyboard or mouse. Information is read from a parts database that may bein Microsoft Access or Oracle formats. Information is input from theuser directly or by selecting “call-out” numbers associated with animage.

In operation, after choosing search, the user will enter data to searchfor in the database. The user may submit the data, reset the entryfields or cancel the search. The entry screen will appear. A databasesearch will occur and records are read and displayed. The search willlook at all fields in the database to make a match. If a match occurs,the first 20 records are displayed with menu options that allows theuser to look at the next 20 records, perform a new search, or end thesearch. If the next option is selected, 20 more records are displayed.The user is able to select a previous option to look at the previous 20records. If there are no previous or next records, the previous or nextoption will not be selectable. The search results screen will appear asfollows.

Finally, again with reference to FIG. 7, if a database error occurs anerror message is displayed. This message is displayed if the program isunable to open or read the database. If the data is not in the expectedformat, it is unreadable data. If the user has the ability to connect tothe customer support center (CSC), there is an option to connect to theCSC to obtain the access to the local database or even access a databaseon-line. If no database is accessible an error message is displayedprompting the user to contact the CSC.

The remote on-line data are stored in either Microsoft Access or Oracle.The program determines the database format, Microsoft Access or Oracleand communicates it to the user over, e.g., a wireless network. Theprogram will read the header information to determine the fields andfield lengths. In case of an error message, the display error message isdisplayed if the data from the database is not accessible or beyond theuser's access level. The user is able to connect to a CSC to obtainaccess or the information directly.

A graphic part locator is selectable from the parts menu. The contentmay be customer, machine or operation specific. The graphic file formatmay be, e.g., .dwf (drawing web files), .bmp (bit map), .pcx (PCPaintbrush), .gif (graphics interchange format) or .jpeg (jointphotographic experts group). The source data for a particular machinemay be provided by the customer or maybe developed apart or inconjunction with the end user or machine manufacturer. The parts locatormodule 212 may be written in HTML. The Whip plug-in or other applicationis used to view files in .dwf format.

The parts locator module serves to display machine parts or operationalsteps with “call-out” numbers that allow the user to look at the nextlevel of parts break down. For example, once one part containing anumber of sub-parts is identified then the user may call out the numberor numbers of the sub-parts to observe, e.g., their interaction withinthe larger unit of parts. This parts breakdown display provides the userwith blow-ups and assembly information for the part(s) as well as“call-out” numbers for the parts. The part information from the databasemay be displayed, e.g., at the bottom of the display for orderingpurposes. The part number may be looked up directly and ordered orlocated. Alternatively, the user may chose to back-up and display theprevious part break down at a higher level.

The HTML page displays graphics of the machine and parts. The user isable to view breakdowns of the parts by choosing call-out numbersdefined on the graphic and may even view their interaction or assemblyvideo using instructional MPEG video or other images.

The HTML page will call a Visual Basic program, passing it the partinformation to locate in the parts database. The part data is located inthe database and displayed on the screen. The user may input by voice,keyboard or mouse. The user will select Parts from the button menu. Theparts sub-buttons will appear as follows.

The voice input may be the user choices, such as, call-out numbers. Thecall-out numbers are displayed at the next level for a parts break down.Back displays the previous part break down. Help is available from theparts locator module. Alternatively, the user may chose to exit theparts locator module and close the part breakdown information.

The image graphics file can be dwf, bmp, pcx gif or jpeg. The data isstored in either Microsoft Access or Oracle. The program determines thedatabase format, Microsoft Access or Oracle. The program will. read theheader information to determine the fields and field lengths. Thematching record is displayed.

A message is displayed in the bottom frame if the data from the databaseis not accessible. The parts locator displays a graphical parts locatorof the machine and part information. The parts locator module programmay be written in HTML and may contain a top down break down sectionthat has one or more security levels set up in conjunction with orindependent of the security module functions.

Reports Module

The primary duty of the reports module is to generate hands-off reportlogs that reflects the task-specific preventive and repair maintenanceof SIMON users. The module also captures a database log of visitedscreen titles. Report data may be gathered on the initial activation ofSIMON and stored in, e.g., Microsoft Access database format. The dateand time of the report capture will equal the system's date and time atlog-on and indicated accordingly on the report. Failed performances arealso captured and recorded. The report module may operate independent ofthe user in addition to being transparent to the user. Else, the usermay activate and inactivate the reporting function depending on theiraccess level.

Users have the option to generate a daily or custom report from theReport button sub-buttons. The daily reporting option prints a daily logof all activities related to preventive and repair maintenance specificto that day. The custom reporting option in the report submenu allowsthe user to enter the desired time period to print the report. Thismeans that the user is required to specify the beginning and endingperiods needed for “printing” under the custom option. The Custom optionalso allows a filtering option that enables a selection of preventivemaintenance only, repair maintenance only, or both. Printing includesboth hard copy and electronic data reporting functions.

The accuracy of transmitted data and requirements data are based onreport data generated by the system for, e.g., the Microsoft Accessdatabase and may be task-specific. Validity of the data is determinedfrom the recording of information within the system report log.

Response time for screen title log capture is less than one second.Response time for printing the Report module will vary depending on thetype of printer models used or communications link provided. Responsetime is also dependent on the frequency of SIMON activity that iscaptured in report logs, as well as the length of the report or if anumber of reports are being submitted at one time.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the basic reporting functions of the SIMONengine. A Reports button is available from the button menu at the mainSIMON engine screen (as are the other modules disclosed herein) andprovides access to the reports menu options 900. Selection of thesub-button options under Reports via voice or mouse method initiates theopening of specific or generic electronic reports. There are twoselections from which to choose—Daily 902 and Custom 904. Selection ofthe Daily option 902 prints a report of, e.g., the daily log record. Thedaily log report may be a prompt for the user to conduct thatmaintenance or repairs on that day, or may serve to report the usersmaintenance and repair of the day that passed. Selection of the Customoption prints a report specific to the user's beginning and ending date.The printed report, or an electronic version of the report, may besubmitted with the communications module for viewing by the user, tonetwork, to one or more serves, to the customer support center or to anyother software package or user that is in need of the report. Forexample, the finished report may be sent to a remote location forgathering, analyzing, storing and acting upon the reported data.

Selecting to print 906 a particular report invokes the above selectionbox. A printer must be attached if a hard copy printout is desired. Ifonly a single printer is available, that printer is displayed in theprinter text box. If there are multiple printers available, the userwill have a box from which to choose the desired printer. The user maywish to print out another report or a copy of the present report at 908.The following are the detailed functional and performance requirementsfor a reports module.

DAILY—allows the user to print the production day's report log. Thisfunction is strictly limited to the current day's log activities.Requirements other than the daily activity should be referred to thesubmenu function “Custom.” Selection of “Daily” option will default withthe current date.

CUSTOM—allows the user to directly specify the exact date of desiredactivity. Users may enter a beginning time period and an ending timeperiod to print the log report. For a printing of the current day's log,the “Daily” option is used.

HTML Page: allows the user to print-out the active HTML page asdisplayed on the SIMON screen.

The data obtained from the user during a specific fast and maintenanceor repair of, the machine, process or operation that is needed may beprovided via inputs generated based on log capture activity or via userinput. This is directly proportional to the user's frequency of usage.Outputs may be generated with hardcopy reports. In case of failure, thereports menu or failed access to the printing of the report items maybesolved locally or via contact with a customer support center.

If the custom option is selected at 904, then the user enters thebeginning and ending period for the custom report 910. Alternatively,the user may be prompted to request different forms or types ofreporting, e.g., a more condensed report for transmission via wirelessLAN. The report log print-outs are customized according to thecustomer's desired output 912. Modifications are to be managed by thecustomer for any subsequent changes to the report format.

Because of the importance of maintaining, filing, keeping and in somecases maintaining security, a mandatory security login 914 requirementmay be necessary for access to print log reports whether from dailyreports or from the custom reports subroutine of the reports module 214.Without login authority, the reports submenu option is unavailable anddisabled.

Security Module

The component module of the SIMON engine that maintains security to andfrom the program is the security module 216. The security module isdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 9, which is a flow chart of thesecurity protocols. The primary duties of the security module are tosafeguard software integrity and provide maintenance accountability. Themode of security performance is defined as follows. First, as the SIMONengine is started 1000 the user is prompted to log-in 1002 using theiruser identification number and if required a password. The process mayinvolve two steps, first the user number is requested and then the userpassword 1004. If the login and password are correct then the user isallowed to access the SIMON system 1006.

When the security module is a mandatory requirement it allows users toenter a login and personal password to verify and authenticate access.All users must gain access through a valid username and password. Anallowance of three attempts, e.g., may be provided.

Part of the SIMON system permits the user to enter the administrationoption 1006 within, e.g., the file menu or a separate menu. Theadministration option 1006 requires that the user provide anadministration login 1008, having the same or more stringent securityrequirements than the login user identification 1002 and password 1004necessary to access the main SIMON engine program.

If a user enters an incorrect login and/or administration password onthe initial attempt, the program may allow the user two additionalattempts before returning the user to the SIMON engine. If a correctlogin and password is verified and authenticated, system access intoSIMON administration is granted. If the user wishes to make changes1016, and/or updates 1018 and/or delete 1020 users and passwords forauthorized users as well as activate/deactivate the Machine type inputbox 1012 or delete a user/log-file 1018, the user must provide a validID-password. A valid ID-password allows the user access to theAdministration Edit screen 1010. Users are able to access options ofSIMON's interface menu system. Access into the software's configuration,however, is disallowed. Only developers with a developer's password areallowed to configure system functions. Developers are able to customizeconfiguration features accordingly, for example, an administrator mayreach the set administration 1014 screen in which administration accessmay be completely forbidden, especially from users.

For high level security requirements encryption of passwords and loginnumbers may be used. Higher security may be achieved using single-keyusage coding and encryption. Accuracy of transmitted data andrequirements data are based on data for a specific task or provided by auser. Validity of data may be determined by the comparison between givendata and the software's embedded data. The following are specificexamples of commands and their functionality as it relates to thesecurity module.

<USER>—Login Usage_Login with a password is a mandatory requirement toaccess SIMON's software system. Access is restricted to non-authorizedusers. Attempted log-ons are limited to three tries before systemlockout occurs. A manager's level access is required to restore systemfunctionality in the event of system lockout. Levels of authorizedaccess are assigned according to user's access needs. There arelimitations of user's navigation area within the software (i.e. noaccess in the configuration environment). Based on predetermined designspecification, the user is restricted to modules defined by thedeveloper.

<DEVELOPER>—A developer's password enables the developer to accessSIMON's configuration to add/update/change/delete any aspect of thecoded modules, thereby allowing the developer to customize SIMON'sconfigurations accordingly.

LOGIN—allow users to enter a personal identifier for individualauthorized access. Log-ins require alphanumeric entries with a minimumof, e.g., five and a maximum of ten characters. Alphanumeric entries mayor may not be case sensitive.

PASSWORD—allows user to enter a personal code for individual authorizedaccess. Passwords require alphanumeric entries with a minimum of, e.g.,five and a maximum of ten characters.

PASSWORD VERIFICATION—allows user to update or change personal code. Thesystem administrator determines the frequency of password changes.

The specific security features for use with a particular user of theSIMON engine may be configured to customer's specifications. Only inputsof login and password data are entered using, e.g., voice or keyboardinput. Also, login and password data may be stored for purposes ofauthorization and authentication. In case of a system or softwarefailure, access to the SIMON system will require a manager's levelaccess or above to restore. Other failures will require coordinationwith the customer support center for support. Dependent upon the levelof desired security, encryption modes between 128 and 256 bit is used toinsure stable system integrity.

For high level security tasks, it may be mandatory that systemdevelopers and users assign the initial assignment of level logins andpasswords. Administrators may change this using high security accesscodes. Security level access may be partitioned into, e.g., fourdomains:

1 Administrator domain—highest authorization access; has access rightsin all domains; no restrictions are placed on the Administrator securitylevel.

2 Manager domain—has access rights to all areas except the ability toassign security level access for users.

3 Supervisor domain—has access rights to most areas; the Manager and/orAdministrator will define the unauthorized areas of access.

4 User domain—has limited authorized access; the Supervisor and/orManager will define areas of access.

Referring once more to FIG. 9. If a user enters an incorrect loginand/or administration password on the initial attempt, the program willallow the user two additional attempts before disabling system access1022. If a correct login and password is verified and authenticated,system access into SIMON is granted. Valid ID-password will allow theuser access to the Administration Edit screen 1024. Users are able toaccess options of SIMON's interface menu system. Access into thesoftware's configuration, however, is disallowed.

Communication Module

Local

SIMON may be fully voice-activated, that is, functioning primarily onvoice commands. A manual keyboard or even visual tracking interface isoptional as the input and output device used by the SIMON user tocommunicate and provide commands to the computer. Likewise, the sameinput/output capability may be used to access the communicationscapabilities of the SIMON engine with local users and a local network.Voice operation enables users to navigate SIMON's GUI interfacehands-free. Reserved words may be saved for specific SIMON commands,e.g., open, close, print, send and exit. Input/output devices for theconstruction of a “portable computer”, that is a computer sufficientlylightweight and designed to be worn by a user, and may be, e.g., theMENTIS computer (Interactive Solutions, Inc.), weighing about 2 to 5pounds (exclusive of the battery pack) and is five and a half by sevenand a half inches in size. The computer may have a 266 MHz pentiumprocessor with 128 megabytes of RAM and a four, six or eight gigabytehard drive. The computer may also be connected to a portable CD-ROM,ZIP, DVD or like large scale storage media. Through a wirelessconnection, the large scale storage medium may even be at a remotelocation. Other hardware that may be interfaced with the portablecomputer via SIMON includes but is not limited to:

1) VideoCam: Sony CVX-V1

2) on head set: VGA screen with built-in earpiece

3) hand held: 6.4 by 10.4 inch flat panel display

4) external audio speakers

5) on headphone/microphone set: LabTec Clearvoice™

6) LAN hardware: WaveLAN®, VBX/CODEC

Accuracy of transmitted data and requirements data are based onequipment installed per each component of the communications hardware.The accuracy of transmitted data may be checked using systems andsoftware known to those of skill in the art of data verification.

The voice recognition software used by the communication module may beany suitable VR system, preferably the AT&T Watson Voice Controlcommunications software designated for SIMON. The AT&T Watson VoiceControl software application may be embedded within SIMON allowing usersto speak commands through a microphone via headphones or one attached toSIMON's unit. Alternatively, Dragon Software's NaturallySpeaking® may beused and has the advantage of accepting natural language commands, whichallow users to edit and format documents by speaking commands in a morenatural way. It also has an enlarged active vocabulary, and DragonNaturallyMobile™ software, which makes it easy to create documents usinga hand-held microphone that can also be used to record anycommunications.

The Dragon NaturallySpeaking® software application, for example, enablesusers to navigate SIMON's menu and sub-menu options with reserved spokenwords. Non-keyboard interaction may be required which will permit theuser to engage in other tasks as well as offering mobility within thework environment. The types and specifics of a user's voice may bestored and accessed from reserved vocabulary commands that are pre-inputinto the communications module. Voice recognition may even beimplemented as a digital signal processor.

Remote

Any communication to a CSC is accessed via SIMON. Likewise, peer to peercommunications may be accessed through SIMON to provide communicationover a wireless LAN/WAN between SIMON users. One such connection may bethrough a WaveLAN® card using the NetMeeting software.

The following is a list of functionalities and equipment for use withthe present invention.

VideoCam—This unit allows parties other than the user to visually seethe same screen information as the user, for example, a Sony CVX-11.

Audio—This unit will allow the user to hear speech and/or sound andinteract with the SIMON system via voice activation.

LAN—This connection will allow the SIMON user to connect remotely to aLAN for network interface.

Modem—This unit enables the user to auto dial an IP address to the CSCor other phone lists.

In the event that SIMON's voice recognition functionality is disabled,the unit may be automatically connected with CSC to allowtroubleshooting. If further connection fails a manual call in to a CSCmay be required to diagnose the problem. If it is a minor hardwarefailure, a camera connection with a CSC representative may be used todiagnose the problem via video. Video or audio access will afford asolution (i.e., replacement of part) on the failed hardware component.If it is a software failure, remote connection via LAN will allow a CSCrepresentative to upload software directly or allow the user access tothat functionality. As a last resort the user may have to re-install thesoftware.

While it may be readily apparent, it is not always easy to interfaceindividual hardware components to be compatible with individualcommunications components. This is a problem especially when usingequipment from different vendors. The present inventors have overcomethat problem by using a central program to interface all the hardwarecomponents.

In operation, the communication module is described in connection withFIG. 10, in particular with a connection with, e.g., a network, server,or other SIMON users a CSC. Once a connection with a CSC 1100 isestablished, the user can determine whether or not they want to includevideo imaging capability over the wireless LAN, WAN or Internet, orwirelessly to one or more antennas which send the signal to a VBX/CODECsystem for transmission over ISDN lines. If a visual connection isrequired, e.g., when the operator at the CSC must also be able to seethe operation of the machine and the operators predicament, then thevideo camera is connected 1102, else the video camera is disconnected1104. Likewise, the connections to a LAN can be made 1106 ordisconnected 1108, a modem connected 1110 or disconnected 1112 and audiomay be connected 1114 or disconnected 1116. Communications with a CSCprovide the user of SIMON and the SIMON engine to access in real-time abroader and often more experienced workforce that can help the userrepair a particular machine.

SIMON is particularly useful when a user at a remote location ispresented with a task when dealing with wires or equipment that is colorcoded. The use of a color video camera with sufficient resolution andtransmission rate will be required to provide the CSC with valuable, andperhaps critical information. The use of a color camera will beparticularly important to reduce the risk of injury to maintenance andrepair personnel that may not be aware of the operational dangers of aparticular piece of equipment or process when communicating with a CSCin real time.

Diagnose Module

The diagnosis module provides the SIMON engine specific information androutines, protocols or checklists that aid in machine diagnostics. Thediagnostic module of the SIMON engine is described herein in connectionwith FIG. 11. The machine diagnostics process begins with an error codeor codes being produced by the machine, operation or process that is inneed or repair or maintenance at 1200. This error may be provided for insoftware in the resident machine and input directly into Simon by theuser. Alternatively, the error code entry screen 1202 is chosen fromwhich the user may view and retrieve error codes 1204 from a list orlists or codes. The list may be arranged in a number of configurations,such as alphabetical, numerical, by machine operation or part grouping,etc. To evaluate and determine what problems may be occurring on themachine the user then accesses a database to get to the matching,appropriate or related HTML links 1206 that are specific or related tothe error codes. Next, a dynamic HTML menu page is written to disk 1208and the user reaches a browser window 1210 that provides the user withoptions 1212, which permit the user to access, for example, hyperlinkcontrols 1214 may also have standard and customized browser controls forfurther navigation 1218.

If hyperlink 1214 is chosen, then a context sensitive display 1216 isactivated that provides the user with specific information about thecontent of help available. For example, MPEG video, AutoCAD drawings,viewer and schematics, etc. are displayed for the user. Alternatively,the user may select to enter a browser control 1218 window though whichthe user select may elect to operate the functions of the browser, suchas home, refresh, back, print, find, etc. that are enabled through theHTML menu page 1220.

Based on an analysis of the operational situation of a particular userand machine, process or operation is determined. The diagnosis modulewill have access to machine, process or operation specific informationthat is part of the task specific database that the SIMON engine is ableto access.

The diagnostics module may merely function as a troubleshooting guide,but in particular cases and instances may be designed to be a fullyintegrated, multi-functional, multi-media system that guides the userthrough the diagnostic procedures of a particular piece of equipment,operation or process.

For example, a menu of common problems encountered with a particularoperation may be displayed as a selectable menu. If no common problemsare found, a common problem list (which may be searchable) is displayedand the user is prompted to select an option. Alternatively, the usermay access a help menu 1210 either from the common problems list or froma more generic problems list. If a particular problem is selected by theuser, then the maintenance procedure for that equipment, machine,operation or precess is displayed. Different levels of explanation maybe presented, depending on the complexity of the task or the user's needfor instructional help.

The user will be provided with a task specific diagnostics file and fileformat, e.g., the common problem list. The diagnostics module may bewritten in Microsoft C++ version 6.0. The diagnostics module willgenerally be task specific. For example, the customer may also providethe machine diagnostics file and information on interpreting the file.The customer provides a common problem list, which might includenon-diagnosable problems.

The diagnostic module will read the reported error data provided by thesystem or the user and determine what problems are being reported orobserved on the machine, process or operation. A problem menu isdisplayed with the results. If no problems are reported, a commonproblem list is displayed from which the user may select maintenance orrepair information.

One example of a diagnostics program is called KBS (Knowledge BasedSystem). When the diagnostics program is called, the machine diagnosticsfile is read and analyzed. The KBS will read a table to match theanalyzed data to a problem description and HTML (HyperText MarkupLanguage) file name. As with all the other modules disclosed herein, thediagnostics module may be implemented in software or hardware.

The following are a number of specific commands that may be used withthe diagnostic module.

Diagnose—opens and reads the machine diagnostics file. The data isanalyzed, depending on the customers or task file specifications.Problem numbers are sent to get_problems. If no problem numbers arefound, a common problem list is displayed.

Get_problems—opens a kbs.tbl file and matches the problem numbersreceived to a problem description and a html file name. This informationis sent to the calling html page so that it can display the problems andassociate an html page to each problem number.

Learning Module

The learning module may be customer, machine, operation, equipment, orprocess specific. The learning module may be developed using, e.g.,Macromedia Authorware. While the customer may provide the source datafor the learning module, custom learning systems may be developed toservice particular system needs.

An interactive learning application may be developed, in MacromediaAuthorware for customers choosing this module. The learning module maybe an interactive training application and can include animation, sound,hot spots, 3D graphics, simulations, quizzes, quiz grading, video clips,show me, interactive assembly/disassembly of components and trackingstudent progress.

The learning module is an interactive learning tool that serves toteach, in real-time a SIMON user the detailed operation of a machine orprocess and the manner or carrying out repair or maintenance operationswithout the need to resort to hard copies or user's manuals. Trainingscreens are displayed and allow users to interact with the applicationto learn about the customers system.

While this invention has been described in reference to illustrativeembodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in alimiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of theillustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention,will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to thedescription. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompassany such modifications or embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer communication system, comprising: acomputer of a size sufficiently small to be worn by a user; a memoryconnected to and under control of the computer; a display device thatcan receive display signals from the computer for visual display to theuser; an input device by which the user enters commands to the computer;a wireless data transmitting and receiving station having a range, whichstation can transmit data to and receive data from the computer anywherewithin the range; a wireless data transmitting and receiving deviceconnected to the computer, which device can transmit data to the stationand receive data from the station, the wireless transmitting andreceiving device transmitting video images relating to a task performedby the user to an assistant and receiving instructions from theassistant as the assistant views the images; and a computer network thatcan send data to and receive data from the wireless station while theuser is working on the task within range of the wireless station.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the computer has a weight less than twopounds.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a garment suitablefor securing the computer on the user's body and means for mounting thecomputer on the garment.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the mountingmeans comprises a belt.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the garmentincludes a strap and means for fastening and unfastening the strap. 6.The system of claim 1, further comprising an instructional programincluding a program engine that contains a program logic, which programlogic being loading into memory, whereby the program engine includes oneor more user assistance programs that may be accessed by the userthrough the program engine and the program engine can access a databasecontaining data that is specific to the task.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the instructional program comprises one or more search moduleseach accessible by the program engine for searching a databasecontaining data that is specific to the task.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the instructional program includes program logic permitting theuser to select an image of one or more parts of the apparatus to view onthe display deice.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the instructionalprogram includes name data identifying one or more parts of theapparatus that the user has selected to view.
 10. The system of claim 8,wherein the data includes instructions for assembly or disassembly ofthe one or more parts of the apparatus that the user has selected toview.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the data includes instructionsfor repair of the parts of the apparatus that the user has selected toview.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the data includes instructionsfor fault diagnosis of the parts of the apparatus that the user hasselected to view.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the display deviceincludes means for temporarily mounting the display device in proximityto the parts the user has selected to view.
 14. The system of claim 6,wherein the task comprises a manual operation undertaken during a manualrepair.
 15. The system of claim 6, wherein the task comprises a manualoperation undertaken on an apparatus, and the data comprises images ofthe apparatus.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the task comprises amanual operation undertaken on an apparatus.
 17. The system of claim 16,wherein the manual operation comprises repair of the apparatus.
 18. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the manual operation comprises maintenanceof the apparatus.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the task comprisesa manual operation undertaken on an apparatus to control a process. 20.The system of claim 1, wherein the task is performed at a location wherethe apparatus is installed for use.
 21. The system of claim 1, whereinthe task is performed at a location on the apparatus at which a standarddesktop computer cannot be accessed by the user at the same time as thetask is performed.
 22. The system of claim 1, further comprising a dataretrieval device connected to and under the control of the computer,which data retrieval device accesses a data storage medium on which allor part of the instructional program is stored.
 23. The system of claim22, wherein the data storage medium on which all or part of theinstructional program is stored is a hard disk.
 24. The system of claim22, wherein the data storage medium on which all or part of theinstructional program is stored is a CD-ROM.
 25. The system of claim 22,wherein the data storage medium on which all or part of theinstructional program is stored is a DVD.
 26. The system of claim 22,wherein the data storage medium on which all or part of theinstructional program is stored is a ROM.
 27. The system of claim 22,further comprising a data entry system connected to the computer bywhich the user can enter data into the computer which is then stored onthe storage medium.
 28. The system of claim 22, wherein theinstructional program that the computer accesses and stores in memory isstored on the storage medium.
 29. The system of claim 22, wherein theinstructional program that the computer accesses and stores in memory isstored as ROM.
 30. The system of claim 22, wherein the instructionalprogram that the computer accesses and stores in memory is uploaded tothe computer via a wireless communication.
 31. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a data entry system connected to the computer bywhich the user can enter data into the computer; and a data storage andretrieval device connected to and under the control of the computer onwhich data generated by the user is stored.
 32. The system of claim 1,wherein the wireless data transmitting and receiving device transmitsand receives radio frequency signals.
 33. The system of claim 1, whereinthe wireless data transmitting and receiving device transmits andreceives an audio signal that is an analog signal via a modem.
 34. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the wireless data transmitting and receivingdevice transmits and receives an analog audio signal via a cellularlink.
 35. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless data transmittingand receiving device transmits and receives an analog video signal. 36.The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless data transmitting andreceiving device transmits and receives a video signal via a cellularlink.
 37. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless data transmittingand receiving device transmits and receives a digital audio signal. 38.The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless data transmitting andreceiving device transmits and receives a digital signal via a digitaltelephone link.
 39. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless datatransmitting and receiving device transmits and receives a digitalsignal via a digital modem.
 40. The system of claim 1, wherein thewireless data transmitting and receiving device transmits and receives adigital video signal.
 41. The system of claim 1, wherein the wirelessdata transmitting and receiving device transmits and receives a videosignal via a digital telephone link.
 42. The system of claim 1, whereinthe wireless data transmitting and receiving device transmits andreceives a video signal via a digital modem.
 43. The system of claim 1,wherein the wireless data transmitting and receiving device transmitsand receives communication between users on the same network within thesame location.
 44. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless datatransmitting and receiving device transmits and receives communicationsbetween a user and a customer support center at a remote location. 45.The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless data transmitting andreceiving device transmits and receives data through a VBX/CODEC box.46. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless data transmitting andreceiving device transmits and receives data through a hardwired networkthat connects via TCP/IP through a secure internet link to the remotelocation.
 47. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless datatransmitting and receiving device is a cellular phone.
 48. A computercommunication system, comprising: a first computer of a sizesufficiently small to be worn by a user; a memory connected to and undercontrol of the first computer; a display device that can receive displaysignals from the first computer for visual display to the user; an inputdevice by which the user enters commands to the first computer; awireless data transmitting station, which station capable of receivingand transmitting data from the station; a wireless data transmitting andreceiving device connected to the first computer, which device cantransmit data, the wireless transmitting and receiving devicetransmitting video images relating to a task performed by the user to anassistant and receiving instructions from the assistant as the assistantviews the images; and a second computer of a size sufficiently small tobe worn by a user; a memory connected to and under control of the secondcomputer; a display device that can receive display signals from thesecond computer for visual display to the user; an input device by whichthe user enters commands to the second computer; and a wireless datatransmitting and receiving device connected to the second computer,which device can transmit data to, and receive data from, the wirelesstransmitting station, whereby the data is generated by the user wearingthe first computer.